Workers Memorial Day 2008

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Workers’ Memorial Day is the day when we “mourn for the dead, but fight for the living”, drawing attention to the plight of the hundreds of New Zealand workers who still die every year as a result of their work.
The memorial day also serves as a reminder that the workplace can be a hostile environment towards a worker’s health and safety. It should also remind us that there can never be enough laws and safeguards protecting workers’ health and safety and that we need to continue the fight to strengthen those laws.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) priority for 28th April is "Good Occupational Health for All Workers" This theme was chosen after widespread consultation with the international labour movement as it links with many union campaigns as well as the historical union event, May Day.
Click here [2] to visit the ITUC website

Events take place around New Zealand and around the world to mark Workers Memorial Day from April 28th through to the 3rd of May.

More events will be added as they are organised. Please contact reneeh@nzctu.org.nz [3] if you have an update for your region

Auckland Monday 28th April
12 pm The Working Women’s Resource Centre invites you to come to the Workers Memorial Garden at Corban Reserve, Henderson to commemorate this day.

Hamilton Monday 28th April
2 pm Unions Waikato will host a commemmoration for fallen workers at the American Garden, down at the Hamilton Gardens (off Cobham Drive) A special tribute will be made to the memory of a RMTU member recently killed.

Tauranga/Mt Maunganui Saturday 3rd May
11am at RMTU and MUNZ will host a service commemorating fallen workers at The Seafarers Centre, Hull Rd, Mt Maunganui

Palmerston North Monday 28 April
12:15 – 12:45pm Unions Manawatu have organised an event on the Corner of The Square and Coleman Mall
Meet the 99 year old retired bank worker who was involved in an armed robbery in August 1933 and hear about workers’ health and safety in the Depression years. All Union Members and supporters are invited.

Wellington Monday 28th April
8am Rally on the waterfront near Te Papa and Circa Theatre Speakers: Ross Wilson ACC Chair, Carol Beaumont NZCTU Secretary

Hutt Valley Monday 28th April
2pm RMTU will host a service commemorating fallen workers at Hutt Valley Workshops Elizabeth St, Moera Speakers: Prime Minister, Helen Clark and CTU President, Helen Kelly

Christchurch Monday 28th April
11.30 – 12.30
Science Alive Park
Behind Hoyts 9 Theatre
Moorhouse Ave

Opening Prayer: Richard Tankerlsey
MC: Karena Brown
Guest Speakers:Darien Fenton - MP,Ged O’Connell - EPMU, Jani Yohanson - Christchurch City Councillor

Click here [4] to download a flyer for the Christchurch event (PDF doc 80 kb)

Dunedin Monday 28th April
11.30am CTU Unions Otago is hosting a service at the Market Reserve
Glenda Alexander MC
Guest speakers to be confirmed